After the factory and VAF talked me off the ledge and let me know that the ding was not the end of the world I brought the rudder to an A&P buddy. Less than five minutes later the problem was solved. It doesn't look as good as new but paint and filler will cover everything up just fine. When I got home that evening, I had Tiffany help me put the finishing touches on the rudder by riveting the skins together.